State Government: AIA Washington Council
AIA Washington Council is a state arm of the AIA and serves its members by influencing state government with regard to issues that impact the practice of architecture. AIA Washington Council’s primary focus is to represent its members on policy and politics.
- Lobbies on legislative and regulatory matters;
- Maintains relations with the Governor’s Office, legislators and legislative staff;
- Builds coalitions with state agencies, organizations, consumer groups, and other public bodies;
- Tracks legislation that impacts architects and the practice of architecture;
- Clarifies and informs members about legislative and policy activities; and
- Protects the legal welfare of architects.
AIA Washington Council works on behalf of architects by representing them on a broad spectrum of issues including: sustainability, liability, licensing, taxes, codes, employment and more. The Council employees a lobbyist in Olympia and works with allied organizations on issues of shared interest.
To get involved
Contact:
Jeffrey Hamlett, Executive Director, 206-957-1925.
Kirsten Smith, Manager of Advocacy, 206-448-4938 x401
Check out the Washington Council website:
AIA Washington Council’s website provides additional information about the component’s activities and its Advocacy Hub provides links to bill tracking, government contacts and issue briefs/policy positions.
Join a committee:
AIA Washington Council’s policy committees shape its legislative and policy agenda each year and make recommendations to the Board on key policy issues. AIA Washington Council committees include:
Carbon
Chair: Peggy Heim
Codes
Chair: Rosa Folla
Livability & Affordability
Chair: Geoff Anderson
Practice
Chair: Mike Slater
Taxes, Education & Capital Budget
Chair: Lois Wardell
More information on AIA Washington Council committees can be found on the Council’s committees website. Any AIA member can volunteer to join a committee or attend a committee meeting (usually conference calls) on an ad hoc basis. For more information, contact the committee chair or Executive Director Jeffrey Hamlett.
Political Contributions
AIA Washington Council serves architects by participating in political races and election campaigns through the Architects’ Political Action Committee (APAC). APAC contributes to political campaigns of candidates who can improve the quality of architecture throughout Washington. In evaluating candidates for support, APAC administrators look at the candidate’s record and positions in areas such as capital projects, codes and planning, sustainable design and tax and regulation. Member contributions from firms and individuals help APAC increase the visibility of architects across Washington.
More information:
Get Involved with State Government
